I am looking to buy a new scroll saw, was wondering what brand and model you all have, any comments on the saw you have, any thoughts on the diffrent types, models , brands out there?? Thanks for your Help..
Take Care, Happy Woodworking.. ToolDoc
Edited 9/13/2002 11:48:49 AM ET by TOOLDOC
Replies
WOW 20 Zillion viewers here and none has a scroll saw LOL my oh my
ToolDoc
Edited 9/13/2002 11:51:45 AM ET by TOOLDOC
ToolDoc,
I have the small 16 inch Delta and it's the only one I've ever used so I can't share a lot of experiences with you and I don't use the saw much as it is. I posted earlier this week that the DeWalt is on sale at Sears for $199. A 20 inch that normally goes for about $399. Sorry I don't have more info for you. Wish I could help.
Don
Don: Thanks, I have to check my local Sears and see if they can get a Dewalt for that price..
Happy Woodworking... ToolDoc
I would suggest that you jump at the low price for the 20" scroll saw. I have one that I paid over $400 and love it. I had the Sears industrial saw and gave it away -- $400. I had an excellent scroll saw (can't remember the brand, but it cost $600 about 20 years ago) that my wife accidently sold -- long story!! The Dewalt is the best saw of the bunch.
Bob
Bob: Thanks for your comments, yes I have to check with the local Sears to see if indeed they can get me a Dewalt for $199 , sure hope so, cause I never seen any Dewalt scroll saws there only there Crapsmans..
Take Care.. ToolDoc
ToolDoc,
Crapsman! Ouch! I don't understand this total disregard for Craftsman that many have. Many of the tools are junk, but that's true with any brand. Check out the current thread on Delta's sharpening grinder. Does that mean everything they make is crap?
I'll tell you what, I have a PC 19.2 volt 1/2 inch drill, circular saw combo set, a makita 12 volt cordless drill, the dewalts I had aren't worth mentioning and I have a 16.8 and 18 volt craftsman cordless drill. I wish the PC and Makita had the power of the Craftsman, but more importantly, I wish their batteries had the life of the Craftsman. I use these tools everyday, and their not even close. I don't understand why others don't see, recognize and acknowledge this? The craftsman RAS in my opinion is by far the best value for the money in that class of saw. I could go on.
By the way, I can't vouch for your local store, but the stores here carry Milwaukee, PC, Makita, Jet, Delta, tlaWeD and many others.
Don
Don: GEE Sorry to have ruffled you about the Crapsman statement, I just dont feel that the current Craftsman line of power tools is at good as they were years ago, I have a Craftsman table saw that I bought over 30 yrs ago and it runs like the day I got it, Yes your correct the Craftsman older model Radial arm saws were great, the newer ones are made by Ryobi and there not the same, same goes with there line of table saws there made by Ruobi, just seems to me when Emerson made alot of there power tools they were made a hell of a lot better..
I will now hear from all the Ryobi fans on that statement but heck I call em as i see em.. I have been to Sears and looked at there new 20 inch scroll saw, it reminded me of the Dremel, and it might just be, I have a Dremel vs scroll saw now but would like to upgrade to something a little better..
Take Care, Happy Woodworking.. ToolDoc
ToolDoc,
The only 20 inch saw at the sears here is the DeWalt.
Is there any tool line today you feel is a good as it was xx years ago? I just replaced a 20 year old craftsman RAS that was in the shop with a new one. I'll take the new one.
To each his own huh?
Don
Don: Yes I can answer that Queston..DELTA.. there as good as they were 30 yrs ago.. I dont know what state your in but here Sears only has Craftsman scroll saws in there tool dept..
ToolDoc
ToolDoc,
I'm in Michigan. The Dewalt's were not a normally stock saw here either. There's a big pile of them in the aisle right now though for $199. At least there was 4 or 5 days ago when I was last there. The store here usually has in stock craftsman, the small delta and Tradesman (whatever that co. is).
I guess we'll have to agree and agree to disagree. I'm with you all the way on the quality of product and personel at DeWalt. I don't agree that Delta is the same today as 30 years ago, but I'll leave it at that.
Don
Don: I am going to check this week if my local Sears has the Dewalts..And as far as the Deltas only diffrence now is a lot of there stuff is made over seas as is most of the woodworking equipment eg Jet, Grizzly etc... Deltas new line of tools for woodworkers the Shop Master is made over seas, they have new scroll saws in that line also..
ToolDoc
Edited 9/14/2002 6:19:03 PM ET by TOOLDOC
Don,
Which Sears in Michigan?
Who says? I have a scroll saw. Trouble is it isn't very good and I don't know much about using it. It's the type that uses pin end blades and is a frame that osscolates with the blade rotating forward as it descends. I need to do some pierced back splats for Chippendale chairs. Do you think I can do them with this beast? It is the same kind I had over sixty five years ago. No improvement in technology and not much in the operator's technique. Carl
Carl : Sounds to me like you need to retire that old scroll saw of yours and pick up a new one..Check around theres a ton of models out there, the 16 inch one you can get for around $99.00 or less..
Happy Woodworking... ToolDoc
TOOLDOC:
I was hoping to see more post also. I am currently considering a new one to. I, like Don don't use it much. There is a local ( Ron Brown ) that is terrific with them. He uses a Dewalt as it is supplied by Dewalt. Bob agrees as most locally I have spoken to do. I have a Dewalt recip saw and biscuit joiner I love. Some of there tools are junk as Don mentioned. IMO..
The reviews are good for the DW 20". Just a lot of money for a tool I don't use that often. Hopefully some more will post with more comparison.. Good Luck..
sarge..jt
Hi, this is my very first post to anything,hope it works. I got a dremel scroll saw for a gift a few years ago and it was ok for learning on, the leaver for adjusting the tension wore out quickly. I was at a tool show in Dallas two years ago and I bought the 26" RBI hawk. It is a wonderful saw thou quite pricey. I also bought some old delta machines from an estate and there was a delta scroll saw in with the other things. This is a large and very heavy saw, it is old. I have not used it because I like the hawk but I would like to know if I could find out anything about this saw or the delta cabinet saw, jointer,planer,shaper, these are old and in very good condition and the tag says Delta milwakee. I know that they are at least 30 yrs old.
Bill: Go to http://www.workbench magazine and post on there power tool forum and ask either Rock2Car or Delta 007, there both Delta power tool factory reps, they will give you answers about your Delta equipment..
Take Care, Happy woodworking, ToolDoc
Sarge: I have been following a few other forums and watching there posts soo far its tied between the Dewalt and the Delta p 20, I havent seen a Delta p 20 no one near me sells them soo Im undecided yet, I have a Dremel vs scroll saw but want to upgrade to something else, but not sure what just now.. going to do more research and ill let you know what I come up with..
Take Care, Happy Woodworking... ToolDoc
TOOLDOC:
Thanks. I usually do quite a bit of home-work when I buy anything. You and Bob answered my questions about Dremel b-4 I had to ask. If both are you are upgrading, it's out.
The only question I have on Delta is customer service. Have heard a few negatives this forum. You hear a lot though. I have never had to contact them so this is here-say my part. I do have a Dewalt authorized repair about 12 miles from me here Atlanta. I stopped by and they all seemed receptive. Again I have not had to use them physically as my biscuit and recip saw have preformed admirally. I have seen some junk drills, etc.
I'll consider the jury still out and do some checking with a the Atlanta Scroll Saw Club. A lot of these people do nothing but scroll-saw work. If I catch anything worthy, will advise. When you get your info gathered, I would apprectiate you do the same.. Thanks in advance..
sarge..jt
SARGE: I am still doing more research on this, getting lots of good reviews on both Dewalts & Deltas p20 & Q3, yes will let you know what info I get, I would like to comment on the DREMEL VS scroll saw that I have, its not that bad of a saw for the money if your not going to use one every day it would make a nice addition to the shop Home Depot & Lowes has them for around $177.00 with the stand included.. As far as Delta service goes I havent ever had any major problems only minor things and have had very positive responce with there service dept.. I am not a very big fan of Dewalt, I own a few Dewalt power tools but have had major problems not only with there tools but also with there moronic service people..
Take Care, Happy Woodworking.... ToolDoc
DOC:
Have spent a good portion of day talking and looking at S/S's. I have heard Dewalt and Delta 20 all day and no negative comments on either. I seem to have gotten more replys with folks with the Dewalt. They say it was conspired with Sommerfield Canada. About the only difference in it and the Excalibur is the Dewalt is not belt driven and the price. I read that in a review in Amazon.com ? How true I don't know.
Thanks for info on Delta C/Service. As I stated just here-say. I probaly wouldn't have a problem with Dewalt either as I can walk in and plop it on the counter. Lot of difference with face to face encounter and phone or e-mail. Ha.. Besides I'm armed and dangerous.grin>
You probaly have a good point that the Dremel is O.K. for my needs. The one I got gets the job done. I only basically use it for inside cutting when the need arises. Don't do much fret-work, etc. Probaly got all I need. I build heavy-duty stationary cabinets for all my tools as I have the space. The extra weight cuts most of the vibration of the lighter saw.
Let me know what you decide on and how it works when you get it. I have the luxury of patience and a don't need it in the immediate future. Some of the work I've seen done with them is sure tempting after fooling with WW 30 years though. If I see the DW at $199 as Don did, I'll write the check regardless if I need it or not.. An offer you can't refuse!!
sarge..jt
Sarge: I have been busy also talked and chatted with soo many people about scroll saws that I see them in my dreams.. LOL, Most people like the Dewalts tied with the Delta p20 and Delta Q3, I also learned that Delta is coming out with a whole new line of scroll saws some time in early October called the Delta Shop Master line, I want to check them out also I contacted Delta today for info on them and a catalog, This week I intend to check with Sears on the Dewalts to see if they have em for $199.00...
I have checked with some scroll saw gurus on the web who scroll every day they all like both Dewalt & Deltas soo who knows I need more info.. as Im undecided at the moment, but will keep you posted as the info filters in....
Take Care.... ToolDoc
I have been doing tons of research on the scroll saws, sarge brought up a good point in his post saying he heard that the Dewalts might be designed as a Excalibur made in canada. I was very cursious about that and did further research and came up with conclusion that the Dewalts may very well be made for Dewalt by Excalibur in canada.. hmmm that gives the Dewalts a extra edge over the Delta P20 and Q3..
The Great Scroll Saw Debate is on... ToolDoc
Doc:
Just got your e-mail. I went and used a DW today. Everything seems to be in the right place and there is no vibration I can detect. I went and used a Delta 20. Good results but it had more vibration running hard-wood thru than the Excalibur, ugh.. Dewalt.
What I had read was commented by a professional that he had bought the Dewalt. He replaced with an Excalibur as he runs 2" and 1 1/2" hardwood through all day. He felt the DW would not hold up over a long period because it was not belt-driven. He said it was the ticket for someone that was not doing such a demanding task. He also mentioned the DW has ball bearing as opposed to the needle brg. in the Excalibur. He said he would definitely buy the DW if it were belt-driven as he liked the saw very much. That's where I picked up that DW had gone to Excalibur and had it designed and built.
To answer your e-mail question on what I think as opposed to the Delta at this stage of our research. How far is it to the Sears store where Don lives? I'm pouring a thermos of coffee and I left the car engine running.. Hope nobody gets in my way!!! grin<>
Ok, here's the deal. I sold a house and I'm closing this week so my checking account is draining fast for taxes, mandatory inspections and the like so I need to be careful. I know the asst. manager, Karen, at the local store. I will go there tomorrow and see what's left. I will ask here to put them away until my house closing. I haven't been there in a week when there were still 5 or 6 left. The started with about 20 stacked in boxes in the middle of the main aisle through tools. I'll let you know tomorrow what's there. Fair enough?
Don
Don:
I would like to get one at that price. As I told Doc, I really don't need it that bad as the one I got is sufficient for the outside cuts I currently do. But, at that price I would like to acquire one regardless. I may get heavier into the S/S in the future as I have a house full of furniture now. I build a lot of necessary furniture and donate to abused women, vets and homeless shelters.
I have seen some really nice work with those that do the scroll-saw thing exclusivley. Would like to give it a try in the future. Don't go out of your way, but if you can get them held I would take one. I don't think they will last at that price, so you may find them gone. If so, no big deal as I expect them to have already been sold.
I really appreciate the offer. Let me know what you find and we'll go from there..
Thanks much..
sarge..jt
Don, just curious, was this a national sale or just Michigan? Are there any left? Do you have a phone number for the store? Thanks, Bill
Just for the record...
A few months ago I did a ton of research on scroll saws and concluded that the Sears Craftsman Craftsman 20" had some really important components I could only find on very expensive models. I was particularly pleased with the way it feels and operates. The $299 price tag seemed like a good compromise for a DC motor, 20" throat, and a good sold cast iron machine.
I recently (within last couple weeks) saw a SS comparison - can't remember which mag, but it put this model on top of the rest for the price/features.
This thing runs like a well-oiled sewing machine. Sweet.
-Ken
Ken I just posted to TOOLDOC about my new Craftsman scroll saw , by your discription I have the same one and yes it does run like a sewing machine and has a DC motor. I really like it. The more I use it the beter it feels and runs. Did yours come with a stand? A small place for tools and blades on the top and V.S. No doubt it is top shelf stuff. IMO. Have a great day. Rick.......
Yea, that's the one. It's a keeper.
The only thing I'd like to see is a brighter light. My eyes don't see as well as they used to.
Perhaps there's a better marking device than a pencil. Any ideas?
-Ken
Today I called my local dewalt service center they do carry refurbished 788 scroll saws, if there not in stock they can get em in a few days .. The price $300.00.. Not a bad deal.. Yesterday I started cutting the angle for a new stand, today Im going to start welding, I plan to put a top on it made out of mdf. Im going to laminate two 3/4 inch pcs together, that should make a nice sturdy stand.. Soo hopefuly by this weekend Ill have a saw to put on it...
A Very Happy Scroller... ToolDoc
Hi Ken.
Yesterday I received my new Dick Blick art supply catalog ( I am also a painter) In this catalog they have lights for artists that are very bright and are natural light, less strain on the eyes. I have not been cutting long enough to have a good system for cutting ,could one use rubber cement and glue down your pattern then after cutting simply remove the paper and rub off any excess cement?. Let me know what you think. Rick..........
That's a great idea. I've been struggling with finding the pencil line. I'll give it a try.
-Ken
They were available here and in the Toledo, OH area stores. I've posted the number for one store here. They are out of them, but they can check the inventory of other stores for you.
Don
Sarge: I just got home from a friends shop he has a Delta 40 680 20 inch scroll saw it is the nicest one I have seen or used he let me take it for a spin oh my it was like heaven using it.. this creates a big problem for me I am now torn between the Delta 40 680 and the Dewalt, hmmmm I might just end up with both..
Happy Woodworking... ToolDoc
Doc:
Got your e-mail as well. I liked where the controls were a little better DW. Both were great. In fairness, when I tested the DW it was bolted down to a heavy work-bench. The Delta was kept stored under a work cabinet and we just sat it on his work-bench and used it. I think both are excellent and worthy. I could probaly make a decision by which I could get the best deal on. At least we've done our home-work and are much wiser than Friday.. Good Luck with your decision.
sarge..jt
Sarge: Yes have to agree with you The Dewalt does seem to have a edge on the Delta 40 680 on the controls, either saw I buy I will put on my own home made stand I have some good heavy duty steel angle laying around that I will take to work and cut and weld to make a good rock solid stand, a good stand makes all the diffrence.. I also noticed that the Delta was a belt driven unit not sure if that would really matter althou some scrollers like that feature.
Happy Woodworking.. ToolDoc
I called a friend of mine who works at sears, Monroe, MI., and he said the last were sold on Friday. He will call around to other stores to see if any are left. This bothers me because I feel that some will think this BS when it surely was not. The store hardware dept. telephone number is, 734-384-1409 so someone can verify this.
Don
DON: Just for the record no one thinks your full of s--t, I have seen this before
where people post sales and then you go and they dont have it, just a few weeks a go a person posted that Lowes had Bosch routers for $119.00 the reg price was $219.00 , when everyone went and checked sure enough they were still $219.00, it was a local thing and made the poor guy look like a fool..
I will call Sears tomorrow and see if they have em if so great if not hey no big deal. not like were going to make you stand in the corner and never chat with you again. hmm maybe.. naw, were all glad you spoke up and brought it to our attention soo no hard feeling if this doesnt pan out ok buddy..
Take Care... ToolDoc
Don:
I have seen several brands of tools here at closest Sears to me. I rarely go there as it is in a mall. I hate malls. It is not uncommon for Sears in smaller towns to carry some other brands. I live in Atlanta and we have a ton of Sears scattered about. Yes, I have seen other brands at Sears closest to me on the rare occasions you can get me close to a mall.
A local Lowe's had 2 DW hybrid T/S. Because of history of sales, they sold them at reduced price to clear for items that particular store turned more often. $550 and I got there how late? One saw too late as I don't particulary need a new T/S, but at that price there are a lot of local new-comers to WW that would have loved to have them and I tried. Story of my life. Grin> Come to think of it, it hasn't been all that bad. Matter of fact, it's been pretty good. I wish missing a deal like that was the worst thing that had ever happened to me. I would consider myself a lucky person.
Thanks for trying..
sarge..jt
Sarge--ToolDoc,
I appreciate it. The local lowes here does the same thing with the tools. If something isn't selling, they don't take up shelf space with it.
Until recently with lowes, sears was the only local store with anything quanity or variety in stock, and since lowes came, they have really expanded their inventory. Before the competition of lowes, the nearest woodworking store was 40 miles at Wood Craft in Lavonia, MI. The local hardware stores might or might not have one of something in stock. Oh well, the restaurant where I'm working is closing and I've got a couple of hours of work to go put in. Later.
Don
SARGE & DON : Lowes did this last year they cleared out the Dewalts 788 for $199.00, but of couse til I found out and got there they were all long gone.(sigh ) oh well one of these days I will be in luck and be at the right place and get one.. I hope... I have noticed that since Sears has made there tool depts into Tool Territory they have more diffrent brands in stock, Dewalt,milwaukee,Porter Cable etc. etc.
Happy Woodworking...ToolDoc
Hi there guys. Just thought I would let you know that the Excalibur is made by Summerfield Designs here in Canada for Dewalt. Although its made by SD and it displays some close similarities it is in no way built to the quality of the Excalibur saw. The Excalibur is completely made from metal no plastic on this except the control knob to speed the little sucker up. It also has a DC variable speed Dayton motor which is belt driven, a perfectly flat machined aluminum table and very good bearings. To my knowledge it is also the only saw with a 30" throat. The Dewalt is considered it's cost effective little brother at less than half the price. Which is around $600 here. $199 for that saw sounds like a steal. If your just going to give it an occasional workout I would say that would be a great choice.
HEMPSTALK: Thanks for confirming that the Dewalt is indeed made in Canada, I thought that by reading diffrent posts on other forums, but glad you let us know for sure...
HappyWoodworking...ToolDoc
I guess it all depends on how much youwant to spend and what you want to do with it. I bought the 16 VS delta ( its now going for about 120bucks) it does all I need a scroll saw to do. I bought it for wifey I am not really into it but If I was going to get into it Id look at the Dewalt or the Hegner. Thehegner is about 1K but it sure is sweet as scroll saws go the dewalt looks like a pretty good one also but If I had the bucks...hegner. Battels in Whittier Calif, has a couple of used ones for sale on consignment they look like brand new Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"
RON: Yes the Hegner is just a tad too much money, Looking more for the cost of the Delta or Dewalt.. Im just really looking to upgrade from what I have now..
HappyWoodworking....ToolDoc
WHy don't you just go to Amazon.com and get the dewalt there, likely cheaper and no tax, no shipping!!makinsawdust
ED: The Dewalt is not cheaper at amazon, I can get it cheaper right from a dealer in my own state.....
ToolDoc
iF THATS THE CASE ..GO FOR IT!!makinsawdust
ED: When the time is right I will... Time= Right Price...
Take Care, Happy Woodworking...ToolDoc
SARGE & DON: Just finshed calling every Sears store in a 80 mile radius of me and as my luck would have it none of them carry the Dewalt 788... Oh well just have to check around some more.. Im going to try the Dewalt service center they may have or can get a recon unit...
Don.. thanks for the info it must of been just a local thing...
Take care.. ToolDoc
TOOLDOC.
This has become a fast moving thread, thought I would put in my two cents.
First check out this site. http://www.wildwooddesigns.com
You can e-mail them so address it attn. Jimmy or Bill. Ask them what they think is the best scroll saw for you buck. They should know they are both master scroll saw artist's. There work is incredible. My soon to father in law is also one of there key pattern drawers, His name is Richard. You can also call them at 1-800-470-9090. Bill is there most of the time, Jim his father is supposed to be retired but he has to much fun hanging around the store. Oh by the way I have a Craftsman scroll saw I feel it is very well made and I would recommend one to any one who is looking for one. I can post the model no if you are interested Hope this helps. Rick.
Thanks for the wildwood designs web site very helpfull, I had seen there ads in scrollers magazines before...
ToolDoc
To ToolDoc and others in this Scrollsaw thread:
I have three scrollsaws. Don't ask why. RBI Hawk, AMI Excalibur and a Shopsmith. All are on individual stands. I plan to give the older RBI and AMI to my son and keep the Shopsmith. It has a bigger table and cuts nice. Plus I like the quick-blade change feature. The others can be upgraded, but I don't want to spend any more money on them.
Basically, they all cut pretty much the same. I have used a DeWalt, Dremel and Delta. They're okay, as well.
It's been my experience that there are 3 things to look for in a scrollsaw.
1. Large table with at least 20" throat.
2. Quick-blade change.
3. Variable speed (scr control)
Oh, one other thing. Blades. I recently discovered those Flying Dutchman blades at Creative Woodcraft Plans http://www.scrollsaw.com
They are the best blades I have ever found. They only sell them in 3 sizes, but then that's all you really need.
Hope this helps. Happy scrollin'
Ben
Ben: thanks for the tips, I want to try the Dutchman blades had heard about them ,I have been using olson blades for ages..
Thanks, ToolDoc
Ben
Thanks for info. I, not being an accomplished SS value all the info I can get. You can read all about it, but the person in the trench can give you more detail.
I have heard of the Flying Dutchman. Will follow up on that also. Good advice. Seems there are several machines out there that get the job done. Glad that has been confirmed. Now it's time to look for that clearnace we all dream about.grin<>
sarge..jt
I have the stand finshed, Now all I have to do is pick up the saw..Yahoooo...
Looking forward to puting it thru some tests to see if it is really as good as everyone claims it is.... will let you all know what the outcome is..
Take care... tooldoc
Today I picked up the Dewalt 788, its on the new stand, tomorrow I get to play err I mean test it out.. Thanks for all your help from everyone who posted here..
Happy scrolling....ToolDoc < Grin >
My Wife still cant figure out how these tools just follow me home...hehe
DOC
I haven't seen anybody this excited since Santa brought me a new Daisy Red Ryder BB gun back in 53'. I pulled it out of storage the other day. It seemed like it was awful long when I was 6 years old. It looks a lot shorter now!?!?
Hope the DW holds up as well as the Daisy. I'm suppose you could say I'm kinda jealous. I'm putting up a Xmas tree to-nite and maybe old Santa will have a DW, Delta, Craftsman or while I'm at it; an Excalibur under the tree tomorrow morning. As long as Santa brings it, I don't care what kind it is........................... C'mon Santa.......grin<>
sarge..jt
SARGE: Damn right Im excited been up since 5:30 am checking out this new Dewalt, your right Im like a kid in a candy store with 2 hands full of goodies < GRIN >.. Hey guess what I like this saw the Dremel was ok, but this is really cool..
A Very Happy Scroller, Take Care... ToolDoc
HI Gang: Just droping in to say I have been using the Dewalt for a few days and that I like it alot.. its a yucky day here soo going to spend the day in the shop..
Happy Woodworking.... ToolDoc
DOC
So, you're using the old "yucky day excuse" huh! I highly suspect you haven't left the shop since you got that DW. It's possible at this point that if you went outside, everything would look mustard yellow to you. Should be a law agianst anyone having that much fun. LOL..... I'll be heading to the shop shortly to see if Santa left anything under the tree last nite.. Grin<>
Enjoy....
sarge..jt
Sarge: it really is a yucky day here hot, humid, and a tad of a drizzle, plus the wife & kids are gone for the day, soo I didnt really need a excuse to hide out in the shop today, but your right havent been able to stay away from the new scrollsaw, Im cutting all kinds of stuff on it..Later Im going to take a ride to Sears see they have a few power tools on sale, hmm maybe one or two might follow me home..LOL.. He Who Dies With The Most Tools Wins.....
Take Care, Happy Woodworking...... ToolDoc
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